individuele

Individuele is a Dutch adjective used to express that something relates to or is tailored for a single person, i.e., it is individual or personalized. It is the inflected form of the base adjective individueel and is commonly placed before nouns, as in de individuele leerling (the individual student) or individuele aanpak (individualized approach). The form and ending can vary with gender, number, and article, but the core meaning remains centered on individuality and customization.

Etymology and related forms: The word derives from the Latin individuus, meaning undivided or separate, and entered Dutch through French as individuel or individueel. In Dutch, several related terms emphasize similar ideas of uniqueness and personalization, such as persoonlijk (personal) and maatwerk (custom work).

Usage and domains: Individuele is widespread in education, healthcare, social services, and business when describing services or processes tailored to one person. Examples include individuele begeleiding (one-on-one guidance), individuele leerdoelen (individual learning goals), and individuele zorgplanning (personalized care planning). It often contrasts with collective or generic approaches, highlighting attention to the needs, preferences, or circumstances of an individual.

Notes: As with many Dutch adjectives, routines of inflection affect the ending depending on the noun and article. The base form is individueel, while the matching attributive form before a noun can appear as individuele in common singular forms with de/het, or as individueel in other contexts. In translation, individuele commonly aligns with the English “individual” or “individualized.”

See also: individual, individuality, personalized care, customization.